Printing box

Abstract

Provided is a printing cartridge capable of suppressing frictional resistance of a belt at a guide for changing a conveyance direction. The present invention is a printing cartridge provided with a tape roll and a case. The housing has a first guide disposed at the same position as the tape roll in the first direction and a second guide disposed at a different position from the tape roll in the first direction. The first guide has a first guide surface having a shape of a part of an outer peripheral surface of an imaginary first cylinder having a first central axis inclined with respect to a first direction. The second guide has a second guide surface having the shape of a part of the outer peripheral surface of a virtual second cylinder having a second central axis inclined with respect to the first direction. The second central axis and the first central axis do not exist on the same imaginary plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing box. Background Art

[0002] In a printing device that prints on a printing tape, a printing cassette containing the printing tape can be attached to and detached from a main body of the printing device. In such a printing cassette, a structure that changes the conveying direction of the printing tape using two guides is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-196804

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned printing cassette, in order to change the conveying path of the printing tape to both the axial direction of the tape roll and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the winding angle (ie, winding range) relative to each guide needs to be increased. Therefore, the friction resistance during conveying of the printing tape increases. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a printing cassette capable of suppressing frictional resistance of a belt at a guide for changing a conveyance direction.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a printing cassette including: a tape roll on which a tape for printing is wound around an axis parallel to a first direction; and a housing that accommodates the tape roll.

[0011] The shell has: a first guide, at least a portion of which is arranged at the same position as the tape roll in the first direction, and guides the tape in a manner that changes both a first component parallel to the first direction and a second component orthogonal to the first direction in the conveying direction of the tape pulled out from the tape roll; and a second guide, which is arranged at a position different from the tape roll in the first direction, and guides the tape in a manner that changes both the first component and the second component in the conveying direction of the tape guided by the first guide.

[0012] The first guide member has a first guide surface having a shape of a portion of the outer circumference of an imaginary first cylinder or an imaginary first elliptical cylinder having a first central axis inclined relative to a first direction. The second guide member has a second guide surface having a shape of a portion of the outer circumference of an imaginary second cylinder or an imaginary second elliptical cylinder having a second central axis inclined relative to the first direction. The second central axis does not exist on the same imaginary plane as the first central axis.

[0013] According to such a structure, the first center axis and the second center axis are in a torsion relationship, so that the winding range of the belt at the first guide and the second guide can be reduced. Therefore, the frictional resistance generated by the conveyed belt is reduced. As a result, the driving force for conveying the belt can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view showing a printing device in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2A Yes means Figure 1 A schematic top view of a printing device body in a printing device of Figure 2B Yes means Figure 2A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a printing device body.

[0016] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a printing box in a printing device.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A schematic exploded perspective view of a printing box.

[0018] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3A A schematic top view of the internal structure of the first frame portion in the printing box.

[0019] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 3A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the second frame portion in the printing box.

[0020] Fig. 7A yes Figure 3A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIA-VIIA of FIG. Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB of FIG. Figure 7C yes Figure 7B A schematic cross-sectional view of the VIIC-VIIC line of FIG. Fig.7D yes Figure 7C Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VIID-VIID.

[0021] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Fig.8D and Fig. 8E 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the first guide and the second guide.

[0022] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C , Fig.9D and Fig.9E 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the first guide and the second guide.

[0023] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C , Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the first guide and the second guide.

[0024] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is with Figure 3A Schematic perspective view of a printing box in different embodiments of the printing box.

[0025] Fig. 12A is with Figure 3A A schematic perspective view of a printing cassette in a different embodiment of the printing cassette with the second cover removed, Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A A schematic top view of a printing box, Fig. 12C yes Fig. 12A A schematic perspective view of a printing cartridge with a first cover removed. Fig.12D yes Fig. 12C A schematic bottom view of a printing box.

[0026] Fig.13A is with Figure 3A A schematic perspective view of a printing cassette in a different embodiment of the printing cassette with the second cover removed, Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A A schematic top view of a printing box, Fig. 13C yes Fig.13A A schematic perspective view of a printing cartridge with a first cover removed. Fig.13D yes Fig. 13C A schematic bottom view of a printing box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] [1. First embodiment]

[0028] [1-1. Structure]

[0029] Figure 1 The printing device 1 shown includes a printing cartridge 10 and a printing device main body 100. The printing device 1 is a device that performs printing on a printing tape 11A.

[0030] In this embodiment, the direction parallel to the axis of the printing tape roll 11 is set as the up-down direction (first direction), the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the discharge direction of the printing tape 11A at the discharge port 32C is set as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction is set as the front-back direction.

[0031] <Printing device main body>

[0032] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the printing device main body 100 includes a cartridge housing portion 101 , a printing head 102 , a platen roller 103 , a roller holder 104 , a driving shaft 105 , and a housing 110 .

[0033] (Box storage unit)

[0034] The cartridge housing portion 101 is a recessed portion in which the printing cartridge 10 is mounted. The cartridge housing portion 101 has a function of positioning the printing cartridge 10 .

[0035] The cartridge housing portion 101 has an opening 101A provided in the housing 110. The printing cartridge 10 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 101 by being inserted through the opening 101A.

[0036] (Printing head)

[0037] The print head 102 is disposed inside the cartridge housing portion 101. The print head 102 has a plurality of heating elements whose heat generation is individually controlled.

[0038] (Paper pressing roller)

[0039] The platen roller 103 is disposed near the print head 102 in the cartridge housing 101 so as to face the print head 102. The platen roller 103 can swing toward or away from the print head 102. The rotation axis of the platen roller 103 is parallel to the up-and-down direction.

[0040] A platen gear (not shown) that engages with the output gear 21 of the printing cartridge 10 is coupled to the platen roller 103 . The platen gear swings together with the platen roller 103 .

[0041] (Roller Cage)

[0042] The roller holder 104 holds the platen roller 103. The roller holder 104 is attached to the frame 110 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction.

[0043] (Drive shaft)

[0044] The drive shaft 105 is inserted through the take-up reel 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cartridge 10. The drive shaft 105 inputs a driving force to rotate the take-up reel 16 and the input gear 22 to the printing cartridge 10.

[0045] The drive shaft 105 is disposed inside the cartridge housing portion 101. The rotation axis of the drive shaft 105 is parallel to the vertical direction. The drive shaft 105 is rotated around the rotation axis by a drive source (not shown) such as a combination of a motor and a gear.

[0046] <Printing Box>

[0047] The printing cartridge 10 stores the printing tape 11A. The printing cartridge 10 can be attached to and detached from the printing device body 100. By replacing the printing cartridge 10, the printing tape 11A can be replenished and the type (e.g., size, color, material, etc.) of the printing tape 11A can be changed.

[0048] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the printing cassette 10 includes a main case 35 that accommodates at least a portion of the printing tape 11A and at least a portion of the ink ribbon 14A (ie, auxiliary tape).

[0049] The main housing 35 has a first housing 41 and a second housing 42. The first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are rectangular parallelepipeds having sides parallel to the up-down direction, sides parallel to the front-back direction, and sides parallel to the left-right direction. That is, the main housing 35 viewed from the up-down direction has a quadrilateral shape.

[0050] The first housing 41 is connected to the second housing 42 so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the second housing 42. The main housing 35 is inserted into the cartridge housing portion 101 in a direction in which the first housing 41 and the bottom surface of the cartridge housing portion 101 face each other.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing cassette 10 includes a printing tape roll 11 , a first supply reel 12 , an auxiliary tape reel 14 , a second supply reel 15 , a winding reel 16 , and a drive transmission mechanism 20 .

[0052] (Printing tape roll)

[0053] The printing tape roll 11 is formed by winding a strip-shaped printing tape 11A for printing around an axis around a first supply reel 12. Printing is performed on the surface of the printing tape 11A by the print head 102 and the ink ribbon 14A of the printing device body 100. The axis of the printing tape roll 11 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0054] Two spacers 13A and 13B are arranged on the outer side of the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction so as to sandwich the printing tape roll 11. The spacers 13A and 13B are arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the second cover portion 34 and between the printing tape roll 11 and the second frame portion 33. The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is guided by the first roller 17A and the second roller 17C.

[0055] (First supply roll)

[0056] The first supply drum 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the vertical direction. The first supply drum 12 rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed by the platen roller 103 of the printing device body 100 , thereby supplying the printing tape 11A to the print head 102 .

[0057] The rotation axis of the first supply drum 12 coincides with the axis of the printing tape roll 11. The clutch spring held by the first clutch spring holder 17B applies rotation resistance to the first supply drum 12.

[0058] (Auxiliary tape roll)

[0059] The auxiliary tape roll 14 winds a belt-shaped ink ribbon 14A used for printing the printing tape 11A around the second supply reel 15 around its axis.

[0060] The ink ribbon 14A is overlapped with the printing tape 11A at the head opening 32B, and is used for printing by the printing head 102. The ink ribbon 14A used for printing is wound around a winding drum 16.

[0061] The auxiliary tape roll 14 is arranged at a different position (specifically, below) in the vertical direction from the printing tape roll 11. In addition, at least a portion of the auxiliary tape roll 14 is arranged at a position overlapping with the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0062] (Second supply roll)

[0063] The second supply drum 15 is rotatable around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the second supply drum 15 is parallel to the up-down direction.

[0064] The second supply drum 15 rotates as the ink ribbon 14A is wound up by the winding drum 16, thereby supplying the ink ribbon 14A to the print head 102. The clutch spring held by the second clutch spring holder 17D applies rotation resistance to the second supply drum 15.

[0065] (Winding drum)

[0066] The winding drum 16 is rotatable around a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the winding drum 16 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second supply drum 15 .

[0067] The winding drum 16 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion defined by an inner peripheral surface 16A. Spline teeth 16B are provided on the inner peripheral surface 16A of the winding drum 16. The spline teeth 16B are connected to the drive shaft 105 of the printing device body 100. The winding drum 16 is rotated by the drive shaft 105 to wind up the ink ribbon 14A.

[0068] (Drive transmission mechanism)

[0069] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing apparatus main body 100, the drive transmission mechanism 20 transmits the driving force transmitted from the drive shaft 105 to the platen roller 103. The drive transmission mechanism 20 includes an output gear 21, an input gear 22, and an idle gear 23.

[0070] The printing tape roll 11 , the drive transmission mechanism 20 , and the winding drum 16 are arranged in this order in the up-down direction.

[0071] (Output gear)

[0072] The output gear 21 is an externally toothed gear for outputting a driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A to the outside. Specifically, the output gear 21 transmits the driving force to the platen gear of the printing device main body 100 .

[0073] The rotation axis of the output gear 21 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second supply roller 15. A portion of the output gear 21 is exposed to the space communicating with the head opening 32B. When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100 (i.e., when the main housing 35 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 101), the output gear 21 engages with the paper pressing gear in the space communicating with the head opening 32B.

[0074] (Input gear)

[0075] The input gear 22 is indirectly engaged with the output gear 21 via the idle gear 23 , and transmits the driving force to the output gear 21 .

[0076] The input gear 22 includes an external gear 22A and a drum 22B, which is a cylindrical internal gear having spline teeth on its inner circumferential surface and fixed to one side surface of the external gear 22A. The external gear 22A rotates integrally with the drum 22B by the driving force input to the drum 22B. The rotation axis of the input gear 22 (i.e., the rotation axis of the external gear 22A and the rotation axis of the drum 22B) is arranged on the same line as the rotation axis of the winding drum 16.

[0077] The rotation axis of the input gear 22 overlaps with the hollow portion of the take-up drum 16 in the up-down direction.

[0078] Therefore, when the printing cartridge 10 is mounted in the printing device body 100, the drive shaft 105 is inserted through both the winding drum 16 and the input gear 22. As a result, the input gear 22 is not directly connected to the winding drum 16, but is rotated together with the winding drum 16 through the drive shaft 105.

[0079] (Idle gear)

[0080] The idle gear 23 is drivingly coupled (ie, engaged) to the input gear 22 and the output gear 21 , and transmits the driving force input to the input gear 22 to the output gear 21 .

[0081] The idle gear 23 is a stepped gear in which an upstream gear 23A engaged with the input gear 22 and a downstream gear 23B engaged with the output gear 21 are arranged coaxially. The diameter of the downstream gear 23B is smaller than that of the upstream gear 23A. In addition, the downstream gear 23B is arranged closer to the printing tape roll 11 (i.e., above) than the upstream gear 23A in the vertical direction.

[0082] The idle gear 23 reduces the rotation speed of the driving force input to the input gear 22 and transmits it to the output gear 21. That is, the drive transmission mechanism 20 includes a speed reduction mechanism having a transmission ratio obtained by dividing the rotation speed of the input gear 22 by the rotation speed of the output gear 21 as a speed reduction ratio.

[0083] (case)

[0084] The main housing 35 includes a first cover portion 31 , a first frame portion 32 , a second frame portion 33 , a second cover portion 34 , a first roller 17A, and a second roller 17C.

[0085] The first cover portion 31 constitutes the lower end portion of the printing cassette 10. The first frame portion 32 is disposed above the first cover portion 31 and connected to the first cover portion 31 in the vertical direction. The second frame portion 33 is disposed above the first frame portion 32 and connected to the first frame portion 32 in the vertical direction. The second cover portion 34 constitutes the upper end portion of the printing cassette 10. The second cover portion 34 is connected to the second frame portion 33 in the vertical direction.

[0086] The first cover 31, the first frame 32, and a portion of the second frame 33 constitute a first housing 41 that accommodates the auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply reel 15, the winding reel 16, and the drive transmission mechanism 20. The first housing 41 is disposed at a different position (specifically, below) than the printing tape roll 11 in the up-down direction.

[0087] The auxiliary tape roll 14, the second supply roll 15, and the winding roll 16 are arranged in a space surrounded by the first cover portion 31 and the first frame portion 32. The drive transmission mechanism 20 is arranged in a space surrounded by the first frame portion 32 and the second frame portion 33. That is, the drive transmission mechanism 20 is arranged between the printing tape roll 11 and the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the up-down direction.

[0088] The second cover 34 and the second frame 33 constitute a second housing 42 that accommodates the printing tape roll 11. That is, the printing tape roll 11 is arranged in a space surrounded by the second cover 34 and the second frame 33.

[0089] The first frame portion 32 includes a first side wall 32A, a head opening 32B, a discharge port 32C, a second guide 32D, and a pull-out portion 32E. The first side wall 32A constitutes an outer side surface parallel to the vertical direction of the main housing 35.

[0090] The head opening 32B is a portion formed by cutting out a portion of the first side wall 32A. The head opening 32B overlaps with the second guide 32D in the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11 (ie, in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction).

[0091] The head opening 32B is a space in which the print head 102 and the holding member 102A holding the print head 102 are arranged when the print cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device body 100. That is, the head opening 32B is composed of a printing space for printing and a recessed portion communicating with the printing space in the left-right direction.

[0092] In the head opening 32B, printing is performed on the printing tape 11A by the printing head 102. The head opening 32B is opened at the bottom of the printing cartridge 10 so that the printing head 102 can be inserted from below.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A are stretched in the left-right direction in the left region of the head opening 32B. The printing tape 11A is exposed to the outside of the main case 35 in the head opening 32B and overlaps with the ink ribbon 14A.

[0094] The printed printing tape 11A is discharged to the outside of the printing device 1 through the discharge port 32C.

[0095] The printing tape 11A is discharged in the discharge port 32C in the left direction.

[0096] The second guide 32D is formed of a part of a column or a cylinder. That is, the second guide 32D has a second guide surface 321 having a shape of a part of the outer peripheral surface of the imaginary second cylinder P4.

[0097] The second guide 32D is disposed in the interior of the first side wall 32A in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A in the first housing 41 .

[0098] The second guide 32D is fixed to the first side wall 32A by being integrally molded with the first side wall 32A (an example of a "body of the housing"). The first side wall 32A supports the second guide 32D so as to prevent the second guide 32D from rotating and moving.

[0099] The second guide 32D is disposed between the auxiliary tape roll 14 and the first side wall 32A. The second guide 32D overlaps the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the radial direction of the auxiliary tape roll 14. That is, the second guide 32D is disposed at a different position from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction, and is disposed at the same position as the auxiliary tape roll 14 in the vertical direction.

[0100] The second guide 32D guides the printing tape 11A so as to change both a first component parallel to the up-down direction and a second component perpendicular to the up-down direction in the conveyance direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0101] Specifically, the second guide 32D removes the first component (ie, the downward component) of the printing tape 11A guided by the first guide 33C, and changes the second component from rightward to forward.

[0102] The printing tape 11A guided by the first roller 17A and the first guide 33C in the second housing 42 is fed into the first housing 41 while being guided by the second guide 32D.

[0103] The second roller 17C (an example of a “fourth guide”) is disposed between the second guide 32D and the pull-out portion 32E in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A.

[0104] The second roller 17C is arranged at a different position from the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction. In addition, the second roller 17C is arranged at the same position as the second guide member 32D in the vertical direction. The second roller 17C is composed of a rotatable column or cylinder. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 17C constitutes a fourth guide surface having a shape of a part of the outer peripheral surface of an imaginary fourth cylinder, and the fourth cylinder has a fourth central axis parallel to the vertical direction (that is, the rotation axis of the second roller 17C).

[0105] The second roller 17C guides the printing tape 11A so as to change only the second component of the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A guided by the second guide 32D, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction. The fourth conveying direction D4 of the printing tape 11A in the area between the second roller 17C and the pull-out portion 32E (i.e., the area downstream of the second roller 17C) is the left direction, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0106] The second roller 17C is axially rotated as the printing tape 11A is conveyed. The printing tape 11A is guided by the second guide 32D and then guided by the second roller 17C, and is conveyed toward the drawing portion 32E and the discharge port 32C.

[0107] The pull-out portion 32E is an opening for pulling out the printing tape 11A from the inside to the outside of the main case 35 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction by the platen roller 103. The pull-out portion 32E is disposed at the same position as the second guide 32D in the vertical direction.

[0108] In the pull-out portion 32E, the printing tape 11A guided by the second guide 32D and the second roller 17C is pulled out toward the head opening 32B. When the main case 35 is attached to the printing device body 100, the printing tape 11A pulled out from the pull-out portion 32E faces the print head 102 of the printing device body 100.

[0109] Figure 4 The second frame portion 33 shown includes a second side wall 33A, a partition wall 33B, a first guide 33C, and a reel frame portion 33D. The second side wall 33A constitutes an outer side surface parallel to the vertical direction of the main case 35 .

[0110] The partition wall 33B has a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The partition wall 33B is disposed vertically between the printing tape roll 11 and the drive transmission mechanism 20, that is, between the first supply drum 12 and the second guide 32D.

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first guide 33C is formed by a part of a column or a cylinder. That is, the first guide 33C has a first guide surface 331 having a shape of a part of the outer peripheral surface of an imaginary first cylinder P3. The first guide 33C is arranged in the conveying path of the printing tape 11A in the second housing 42 inside the second side wall 33A.

[0112] The first guide 33C is fixed to the second side wall 33A by being integrally molded with the second side wall 33A (an example of a "body of the housing") and the reel frame 33D. The second side wall 33A supports the first guide 33C so as to prevent it from rotating and moving.

[0113] The first guide 33C is arranged outside the drum frame 33D and overlaps the printing tape roll 11 in the radial direction of the printing tape roll 11. That is, at least a portion of the first guide 33C is arranged at the same position as the printing tape roll 11 in the vertical direction.

[0114] The first guide 33C guides the printing tape 11A so as to change both a first component parallel to the up-down direction and a second component orthogonal to the up-down direction in the conveyance direction of the printing tape 11A.

[0115] Specifically, the first guide 33C applies a downward component as a first component to the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 , and changes the second component from rearward to rightward.

[0116] The first roller 17A (an example of a “third guide”) is disposed between the printing tape roll 11 and the first guide 33C in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A (ie, near the point where the printing tape is pulled out from the printing tape roll 11).

[0117] At least a portion of the first roller 17A is disposed at the same position as the printing tape roll 11 and the first guide 33C in the vertical direction. The first roller 17A is composed of a rotatable column or cylinder. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 17A constitutes a third guide surface having a shape of a portion of the outer peripheral surface of an imaginary third cylinder having a third central axis parallel to the vertical direction (i.e., the rotation axis of the first roller 17A).

[0118] The first roller 17A guides the printing tape 11A so as to change only the second component of the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, the third conveying direction D3 of the printing tape 11A in the area between the printing tape roll 11 and the first roller 17A (i.e., the area upstream of the first roller 17A) is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0119] The printing tape 11A is mounted on the first roller 17A on the upstream side of the first guide 33C. The first roller 17A rotates as the printing tape 11A is conveyed. The printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 is guided by the first roller 17A and then by the first guide 33C, so that the printing tape 11A is conveyed toward the first housing 41 while being twisted.

[0120] The reel frame 33D protrudes upward from the partition wall 33B. The reel frame 33D surrounds the printing tape reel 11 from the radially outer side. The printing tape 11A is pulled out from the printing tape reel 11 in the opening 33E of the reel frame 33D.

[0121] <Printing Belt Conveyor Path>

[0122] like Fig. 7A , 7B As shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D constitute a conveyance path for conveying the printing tape 11A from the second housing 42 to the first housing 41 .

[0123] Specifically, if Fig. 7AAs shown, the printing tape 11A pulled out from the printing tape roll 11 comes into contact with the first guide 33C from the radially outer side of the printing tape roll 11, and is thereby conveyed downward and rearward.

[0124] like Figure 7B As shown, the printing tape 11A passing through the first guide 33C is conveyed to the lower right toward the second guide 32D. The printing tape 11A is laid on the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D in this order. The twist applied to the printing tape 11A by the first guide 33C is eliminated by the second guide 32D.

[0125] The printing tape 11A does not contact the main case 35 between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D. That is, the main case 35 does not have another guide disposed between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D in the conveyance path of the printing tape 11A.

[0126] like Figure 7C As shown, the printing tape 11A that has reached the second guide 32D is conveyed forward by contacting the second guide 32D from the radially outer side of the auxiliary tape roll 14 .

[0127] like Fig.7D As shown in FIG. 1 , the printing tape 11A having passed through the second guide 32D is guided by the second roller 17C and conveyed toward the left. Then, the printing tape 11A passes through the head opening 32B and is discharged from the discharge port 32C.

[0128] <Guide arrangement>

[0129] The first guide 33C and the second guide 32D are respectively arranged at different corners of the main housing 35. Specifically, the first guide 33C is arranged at the left rear corner of the main housing 35, and the second guide 32D is arranged at the right rear corner of the main housing 35.

[0130] Fig. 8A , 8B 8C, 8D, and 8E schematically represent the configuration of the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D, respectively. Figures 8A to 8E In FIG. 1 , the first guide member 33C and the second guide member 32D are schematically shown as the outer circumference of a cylinder. Figures 8A to 8E In FIG. 1 , a conveyance path R at the center in the width direction of the printing tape 11A is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0131] like Figure 8B As shown, the first width direction W1 of the printing tape 11A in the first area A1 of the conveyance path R and the second width direction W2 of the printing tape 11A in the second area A2 of the conveyance path R are parallel.

[0132] The first area A1 is an area between the first roller 17A and the first guide 33C, including an area immediately before the first guide 33C. The second area A2 is an area between the second guide 32D and the second roller 17C, including an area immediately after the second guide. In this embodiment, the first width direction W1 and the second width direction W2 are parallel to the up-down direction.

[0133] At least a portion of the second guide 32D is disposed at a position different from that of the first guide 33C in the vertical direction. Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , the entire second guide 32D is disposed at a different position from the first guide 33C in the vertical direction. Figures 8A to 8E As shown, the upper portion of the second guide 32D may be located at the same position as the first guide 33C in the up-down direction.

[0134] The center axis C1 of the first guide member 33C (i.e., the center axis of the column or cylinder constituting the first guide member 33C and the first center axis of the first cylinder P3) is parallel to the first imaginary plane P1, which includes both the first width direction W1 and the first conveying direction D1 of the printing tape 11A in the first area A1.

[0135] That is, the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is parallel to both the first width direction W1 and the first conveying direction D1. Furthermore, the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is inclined with respect to the first width direction W1 (ie, the up-down direction) in the first virtual plane P1.

[0136] The center axis C2 of the second guide member 32D (i.e., the center axis of the cylinder or drum constituting the second guide member 32D and the second center axis of the second cylinder P4) is parallel to the second imaginary plane P2, which includes both the second width direction W2 and the second conveying direction D2 of the printing tape 11A in the second area A2.

[0137] That is, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is parallel to both the second width direction W2 and the second conveying direction D2. Furthermore, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is inclined with respect to the second width direction W2 (ie, the vertical direction) in the second virtual plane P2.

[0138] Furthermore, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D and the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C do not exist on the same virtual plane. Specifically, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D and the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C are in a twisted relationship.

[0139] The rotation angle of the second conveying direction D2 relative to the first conveying direction D1 is less than 195° when viewed from the first direction. The "rotation angle" is the rotation angle (i.e., the angle change) that makes the first conveying direction D1 consistent with the second conveying direction D2, and is the rotation angle within an imaginary plane that includes the first conveying direction D1 and the second conveying direction D2 (i.e., orthogonal to the up-down direction).

[0140] The sum of the winding angle of the printing tape 11A along the circumferential direction of the first cylinder P3 at the first guide surface 331 of the first guide member 33C (i.e., observed from the axial direction of the first guide member 33C) and the winding angle of the printing tape 11A along the circumferential direction of the second cylinder P4 at the second guide surface 321 of the second guide member 32D (i.e., observed from the axial direction of the second guide member 32D) is less than 235°.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first conveying direction D1 is the rear, and the second conveying direction D2 is the front. Therefore, the first conveying direction D1 and the second conveying direction D2 are parallel to each other. That is, the conveying path of the printing belt 11A is rotated 180 degrees by the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D. In addition, the first imaginary plane P1 and the second imaginary plane P2 are respectively orthogonal to the left and right directions.

[0142] like Fig. 7A As shown, the center axis C1 of the first guide 33C is inclined so as to be away from the axis L of the printing tape roll 11 as it approaches the second guide 32D in the vertical direction (ie, as it goes downward). In other words, the lower portion of the first guide 33C is located outside the second housing 42 relative to the upper portion.

[0143] like Figure 7C As shown, the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is inclined so as to be separated from the axis L of the printing tape roll 11 as it approaches the first guide 33C in the vertical direction (ie, as it moves upward). In other words, the upper portion of the second guide 32D is located outside the second housing 42 relative to the lower portion.

[0144] like Fig. 9A , 9B As shown in 9C, 9D, and 9E, the second conveying direction D2 may not be parallel to the first conveying direction D1. Figures 9A to 9E In the process, the conveying path R of the printing tape 11A is rotated by 135° (see Fig. 9C ).exist Figures 9A to 9E , the first imaginary plane P1 and the second imaginary plane P2 are not parallel (ie, intersecting).

[0145] Furthermore, if Fig. 10A , 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E, the conveying path R of the printing belt 11A can also be rotated 90° (see Fig. 10C ).exist Figures 10A to 10E , the first imaginary plane P1 is orthogonal to the second imaginary plane P2.

[0146] <Tape Transport and Printing by Printing Device Body>

[0147] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing apparatus main body 100 , the print head 102 is arranged in the head opening 32B at a position overlapping the printing tape 11A and the ink ribbon 14A in the front-rear direction.

[0148] The printing tape 11A is conveyed toward the head opening 32B by the platen roller 103, and is pressed against the printing head 102 which radiates heat from the heating element via the ink ribbon 14A by the platen roller 103. Thus, a part of the ink disposed on the surface of the ink ribbon 14A is transferred to the printing tape 11A, and characters, symbols, etc. are printed on the printing tape 11A.

[0149] The platen roller 103 conveys the printed printing tape 11A from the inside of the printing cartridge 10 to the outside through the discharge port 32C. The platen roller 103 is rotated by the platen gear engaged with the output gear 21. The platen roller 103 can swing between a position separated from the printing cartridge 10 and a position where the platen gear is engaged with the output gear 21 by the roller holder 104.

[0150] When the main housing 35 of the printing cartridge 10 is inserted into the cartridge accommodating portion 101 , the driving shaft 105 is engaged with the input gear 22 , and the paper pressing gear is engaged with the output gear 21 .

[0151] Specifically, with the drive shaft 105 inserted into the take-up drum 16 and the input gear 22 of the printing cassette 10 , the platen roller 103 swings toward the head opening 32B of the printing cassette 10 , and the platen gear engages with the output gear 21 .

[0152] When the printing cartridge 10 is mounted, the input gear 22 is rotated by the driving shaft 105, and the output gear 21 is rotated. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 21 rotates the platen gear, and further, the platen roller 103 is rotated.

[0153] [1-2. Effect]

[0154] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0155] (1a) By making the central axis C1 of the first guide 33C and the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D in a twisted relationship, the winding range of the printing tape 11A at the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D can be reduced. Therefore, the frictional resistance generated by the conveyed printing tape 11A is reduced. As a result, the driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A can be reduced.

[0156] (1b) The central axis C1 of the first guide 33C is inclined in the first virtual plane P1, and the central axis C2 of the second guide 32D is inclined in the second virtual plane P2, so that the twisting of the printing tape 11A in the first area A1 and the second area A2 can be suppressed.

[0157] (1c) The first roller 17A can stably feed the printing tape 11A from the printing tape roll 11 to the first guide 33C. As a result, the effect of reducing the driving force for feeding the printing tape 11A is promoted.

[0158] (1d) The second roller 17C can stably convey the printing tape 11A from the second guide 32D to the pull-out portion 32E. As a result, the effect of reducing the driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A is promoted.

[0159] (1e) By fixing the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D to the main body of the main case 35 , respectively, the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D can be integrally formed with the main body of the main case 35 .

[0160] (1f) The distance between the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D can be increased by arranging the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D at different corners of the main case 35. As a result, the effect of suppressing the twist of the printing tape 11A can be enhanced.

[0161] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0162] [2-1. Structure]

[0163] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The printing box 10A shown in FIG. Figure 3A The printing cartridge 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 2A A printing device main body 100.

[0164] The printing cassette 10A replaces the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D of the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment with column or cylindrical rollers. The first guide 33C is rotatable relative to the second side wall 33A. The second guide 32D is rotatable relative to the first side wall 32A.

[0165] The arrangement of the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D is the same as that of the printing cassette 10 of the first embodiment. The first guide 33C and the second guide 32D change the conveying direction of the printing tape 11A while rotating the axes.

[0166] [2-2. Effect]

[0167] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0168] (2a) Since the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D are axially rotatable, the frictional resistance between these guides and the printing tape 11A is reduced, thereby promoting the effect of reducing the driving force for conveying the printing tape 11A.

[0169] [3. Other embodiments]

[0170] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it is needless to say that this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, and various forms can be adopted.

[0171] (3a) In the printing device of the above embodiment, if Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig. 12C and Fig.12D As shown, the guide surface of each of the first guide 33C and the second guide 32D may be formed by a shape of a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the imaginary first elliptical cylinder P3 or the imaginary second elliptical cylinder P4.

[0172] Furthermore, if Fig.13A , Fig. 13B , Fig. 13C and Fig.13D As shown, the first guide surface 331 of the first guide member 33C and the second guide surface 321 of the second guide member 32D do not necessarily need to be formed by the outer circumferential surfaces of a cylinder, a round column, an elliptical cylinder, or an elliptical cylinder.

[0173] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The first guide 33C is composed of a plurality of ribs arranged along the outer circumference of the imaginary first cylinder P3. Specifically, the first guide 33C is a collection of end faces of a plurality of ribs constituting a part of the outer circumference of the first cylinder P3, and is composed of a plurality of non-continuous faces. In addition, the first central axis C1 of the first cylinder P3 corresponds to Fig. 8A The central axis C1 of the first guide member 33C.

[0174] Fig. 13C and Fig.13DThe second guide 32D is composed of a plurality of ribs arranged along the outer circumference of the imaginary second cylinder P4. Specifically, the second guide 32D is an aggregate of end faces of a plurality of ribs constituting a portion of the outer circumference of the second cylinder P4, and is composed of a plurality of non-continuous faces. In addition, the second central axis C2 of the second cylinder P4 corresponds to Fig. 8A The central axis C2 of the second guide member 32D.

[0175] (3b) In the printing device of the above embodiment, the first width direction does not necessarily need to be parallel to the second width direction. In addition, the central axis of the first guide (i.e., the first cylinder or the first elliptical cylinder) does not necessarily need to be parallel to the first imaginary plane, and does not necessarily need to be inclined relative to the first width direction. Furthermore, the central axis of the second guide (i.e., the second cylinder or the second elliptical cylinder) does not necessarily need to be parallel to the second imaginary plane, and does not necessarily need to be inclined relative to the second width direction.

[0176] (3c) The printing device of the above embodiment is not limited to the one that prints using an ink ribbon. For example, the printing device may print on a tape-shaped thermal paper. That is, the printing cassette does not necessarily need to include an ink ribbon.

[0177] In addition, the printing device can also use a perforated die-drawing tape with a thermal head for printing a pattern as the printing tape. When the die-drawing tape is used as the printing tape, a paper-wrapping tape for protecting the die-drawing tape can be used as an auxiliary tape instead of the ink ribbon.

[0178] (3d) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the main housing may include a fifth guide provided between the first guide and the second guide and in contact with the printing tape. The fifth guide may be fixed to the main body of the main housing or may be axially rotatable relative to the main body.

[0179] (3e) In the printing cassette of the above embodiment, the drive transmission mechanism may be arranged above the printing tape roll or below the printing tape conveyance path. In addition, the printing cassette does not necessarily need to include the drive transmission mechanism.

[0180] (3f) The functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiment may be distributed to multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment may be added to or replaced with the structure of other above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, all the methods included in the technical idea determined by the statements recorded in the scope of the request are embodiments of the present invention.

[0181] Explanation of symbols

[0182] 1 ... printing device, 10, 10A ... printing box, 11 ... printing tape roll,

[0183] 11A ... printing tape, 12 ... first supply reel, 14 ... auxiliary tape reel,

[0184] 14A ... ink ribbon, 15 ... second supply reel, 16 ... winding reel;

[0185] 17A, 17C ... rollers, 20 ... drive transmission mechanism, 21 ... output gear, 22 ... input gear,

[0186] 23 ... idle gear, 32 ... first frame portion, 32A ... first side wall, 32B ... head opening,

[0187] 32C ... discharge port, 32D ... second guide, 32E ... pull-out portion, 33 ... second frame portion,

[0188] 33A...second side wall, 33B...partition wall, 33C...first guide, 33D...reel frame,

[0189] 33E... opening, 35... main housing, 41... first housing, 42... second housing,

[0190] 100 ...printing device main body, 101 ...cartridge storage portion, 102 ...printing head,

[0191] 103 ...paper pressing roller, 104 ...roller holder, 105 ...driving shaft.

Claims

1. A printing box, characterized in that: have: a tape roll having a tape for printing wound around an axis parallel to the first direction; and a housing for housing the tape roll, The housing has: a first guide, at least a portion of which is disposed at the same position as the tape roll in the first direction and guides the tape in a manner that changes both a first component parallel to the first direction and a second component orthogonal to the first direction in a conveying direction of the tape pulled out from the tape roll; as well as a second guide disposed at a position different from the tape roll in the first direction and guiding the tape in a manner that changes both the first component and the second component in the conveying direction of the tape guided by the first guide, The first guide member has a first guide surface having a shape of a portion of an outer circumferential surface of an imaginary first cylinder or an imaginary first elliptical cylinder having a first central axis inclined relative to the first direction, The second guide member has a second guide surface having a shape of a portion of an outer circumferential surface of an imaginary second cylinder or an imaginary second elliptical cylinder having a second central axis inclined relative to the first direction, The second central axis and the first central axis do not exist on the same virtual plane.

2. The printing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first central axis is inclined so as to be separated from the axial center of the tape roll as approaching the second guide along the first direction.

3. The printing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second center axis is inclined so as to be separated from the axial center of the tape roll as it approaches the first guide along the first direction.

4. The printing box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing has a third guide, at least a portion of which is arranged at the same position as the tape roll in the first direction and guides the tape in a manner that changes the second component in the conveying direction of the tape pulled out from the tape roll. The third guide member has a third guide surface having a shape of a portion of an outer peripheral surface of an imaginary third cylinder or an imaginary third elliptical cylinder having a third central axis parallel to the first direction, The first guide guides the belt guided by the third guide.

5. The printing box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing has a fourth guide that is arranged at a position different from the tape roll in the first direction and guides the tape so as to change the second component in the conveying direction of the tape guided by the second guide. The fourth guide member has a fourth guide surface having a shape of a portion of an outer peripheral surface of a third imaginary circular cylinder or a third imaginary elliptical cylinder having a fourth central axis parallel to the first direction.

6. The printing box according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first width direction of the belt in a first region between the third guide and the first guide is parallel to a second width direction of the belt in a second region between the second guide and the fourth guide.

7. The printing box according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first conveying direction of the belt in the first region is parallel to a second conveying direction of the belt in the second region.

8. The printing box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are orthogonal to the first direction.

9. The printing box according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The first central axis is parallel to a first imaginary plane and is inclined with respect to the first width direction, the first imaginary plane including both the first width direction and the first conveying direction of the belt in the first region, The second central axis is parallel to a second virtual plane including both the second width direction and the second conveyance direction of the belt in the second region and is inclined with respect to the second width direction.

10. The printing box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that: A third conveying direction of the tape in a region between the tape roll and the third guide is orthogonal to the first direction.

11. The printing box according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: The housing has a pull-out portion that is disposed at the same position as the second guide in the first direction and pulls the belt guided by the second guide out from the inside of the housing. A fourth conveying direction of the belt in a region between the fourth guide and the pull-out portion is orthogonal to the first direction.

12. The printing box according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: A rotation angle of the second conveyance direction of the belt in the second region relative to the first conveyance direction of the belt in the first region is 195° or less when viewed from the first direction.

13. The printing box according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The sum of a winding angle of the belt in the first guide surface along the circumference of the first cylinder or the first elliptical cylinder and a winding angle of the belt in the second guide surface along the circumference of the second cylinder or the second elliptical cylinder is less than 235°.

14. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The housing includes a main body supporting the first guide and the second guide. The first guide or the second guide is axially rotatable relative to the main body.

15. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The housing includes a main body supporting the first guide and the second guide. The first guide member or the second guide member is fixed to the main body.

16. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The belt does not contact the housing between the first guide and the second guide.

17. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The housing has a fifth guide that is disposed between the first guide and the second guide and that contacts the belt.

18. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When viewed from the first direction, the outer shape of the housing is a quadrilateral. The first guide and the second guide are respectively disposed at different corners of the housing.

19. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: An auxiliary tape roll is further provided, the auxiliary tape roll having an ink ribbon for printing on the tape wound thereon and the auxiliary tape roll being arranged at the same position as the second guide in the first direction.

20. The printing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The housing has a pull-out portion that is disposed at the same position as the second guide in the first direction and pulls out the belt guided by the second guide from the inside to the outside of the housing.

21. The printing box according to claim 20, characterized in that: In a state where the housing is attached to a printing device body, the tape pulled out from the pull-out portion faces a print head of the printing device body.

Images